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Protests broke out in Nouakchott, Mauritania's capital today, after young people assembled themselves online to call for rallies, which demand social, political and economic reforms, and an end to Mauritania's military rule.

Up to 2,000 protesters have reportedly marched to Blockat Square, where some intend to camp, until their demands are met. Among their demands are a cap on rising costs of living and a solution to the problem of unemployment. Others spoke out against discrimination and the fall of the military rule. This youth movement follows similar movements we have been witnessing across the Arab world since the Tunisian uprising – youth assembling themselves both in real life and virtual spaces, and protesting on the streets until their demands are met.

The Tunisian revolution has succeeded, followed by the Egyptian revolution, a short period of time after it. People in the region have started to aspire for a better tomorrow after they have suffered from depression after living in oppression and injustice for a long period of time.
The Turks have succeeded before them, through creating political parties and with the help of a civic society, to create a strong economy, and with their new democracy, they have been able to push the military from power.
And before the Turks, the Spaniards were able to become a democracy through reconciliation, and King Juan Carlos himself led the reforms.
There are many successful examples of a transition into democracy. The Tunisian and Egyptian models (under formation), as well as the Turkish and Spanish models.
This page has been created to exchange views for a better tomorrow for our country Mauritania.
Which of those previous models is most suitable for us and which is the one we can achieve and work on implementing?
You can also suggest other models. The goal is to achieve democracy and justice in our country.
We look forward to your participation, whatever your opinion. This is where our democracy is and this is where we will create our country – on Facebook – before we are able to see it in reality.

Their mission reads:

أن تنعم موريتانيا بالحرية والديمقراطية

For Mauritania to enjoy freedom and democracy

Although the pages has 200 likes only, the protest seems to have materialised, as young Mauritanians march towards freedom and democracy.

Here is a snap shot from what happened today from Twitter:

@NickKristof: The democracy uprising is spreading to new parts of Africa: Cameroon, Gabon, Zimbabwe, Mauritania.

“After the platform was erected, one of the young men asked to speak and then started thanking Aziz. So some of the protesters pulled him down and others started beating him. It seems that his goal was to create disruption.”

Amazing ! The only things I used to hear about Mauritania were military
coups – I wish Mauritanian succes in pursuit of their dreams .

joan mckniff

A WONDERFUL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE and honorable efforts to be and keep the peace. solidaritie Mauritania

Janet Gunter

Remarkable to see the “Tahrir” tactic of camping in a central square being adopted in various places. I noticed in a mysterious call for protest on March 7 in Angola, this is also contemplated. While it may be effective in the end, we can’t underestimate the risks these people are taking.

There will be an other young demonstration that will take place in
Nouakchott city after Friday prayers in 2 hours from now, according to
organisers.

Khalass

Hi! I would like first to brake a misunderstanding here reported by Amira Hussaini. She sames to ignore (or may be she choose a political camp here) because mauritania isnot managed by militaries authorities but civilians after democratic elections.
Secondly, can we speak about “revolution” when the protesters are only 2 thousands (it exagereted by Amira, because they were less than one thousand). So, I invite some readers here to be carefull to what some chiite write under cover arabs real révolutions in Tunisia, lybia and egypt. In this fex arabic words you can see that the small number of protesters in mauritania support reforms in their country leaded by their president. So there’s no way to change truth
“منسقية شباب 25 فبراير” تلاحظ بداية لثمرة عملها